Arkansas Post Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, held its May 28 meeting at Stuttgart First Presbyterian Church. Members attending were Chapter Regent Jean Pollard, Jerrie Townsend, Debbie Shea, Sharon Derden, Glennda Fread, Dorothy Wilks, Norma Oliver, Joy White and Mary Bisbee. Pollard called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. with the Opening Ritual and Pledge to the United States Flag. Norma Oliver led the pledge to the Arkansas Flag, Dorothy Wilks led the American’s Creed and Sharon Derden led the singing of the National Anthem.

Pollard recognized the May and June birthdays of chapter members and reported for the Sunshine Report that Sherri Underwood Renaud had a treatment this past weekend. She asked that members please remember her.

Minutes of the April meeting were read by Secretary Debbie Shea and were approved as read. Jerrie Townsend gave the treasurer’s report, and it was also approved. Pollard read a letter from Arkansas County Judge Sonny Cox regarding the county’s 200th anniversary. He will establish a committee for the celebration and be in touch with the Arkansas Post Chapter for assistance. The NSDAR is still requesting donations for the lay Light Project. Two supplemental applications are being considered at NSDAR, and Laura Burkett is working on her transfer from CAR to DAR. Gena Seidenschwarz was recommended by Dorothy Wilks as a new chapter member.

Mary Bisbee gave the Preamble committee report and commented that Memorial Day used to be recognized as Decoration Day. She read the epitaph from Thomas Jefferson’s tombstone, which recognized his many contributions but did not mention that he had served as President of the United States. Glennda Fread reported on the Flag committee commenting that an editorial in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette mentioned that the American flag is flown proudly during the country’s many tragedies and that citizens have an “undying spirit” for the flag. Shea gave the Conservation committee report and reminded members that May was proclaimed “Arkansas County Recycling Month” by Cox. Commemorative Events chairman Townsend informed members that there were many historical sites related to the War of 1812 for summer touring.

Townsend read a letter approving the nomination of Jan Davenport by the Arkansas Post Chapter for her work in returning the stones from the South Carolina orphanage. A Community Service nomination for Bobby Bradberry and his work for the food pantry has also been submitted. Wilks read a humorous article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette regarding the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The Wataseka District meeting will be held in Pine Bluff on July 20 and delegates will be Pollard, Townsend, Wilkes and Derden. The Arkansas Fall Board will meet at Harding College in Searcy on Aug. 23-24 and delegates will be Pollard and Townsend. Continental Congress is scheduled for the week of June 23 in Washington D.C. and Pollard and Townsend will attend.

Page 2 of 2 - Townsend gave the program relating to heritage month and told members about the history of the NSDAR. In the 1890s, many women’s groups formed for various causes including historic preservation. They were patriotic societies and included family genealogy, along with other interests. The NSDAR was founded in 1890 by four women: Mary Desha, from Lexington, Ky., Ellen Walworth, from Jacksonville, Ill., Eugenia Washington, from Charlestown, W. Va., and Mary S. Lockwood, from Hanover, N.Y. Townsend related many events that were achieved by NSDAR members and concluded with present day achievements.

The next regular meeting will be Sept. 24 and will be a dutch treat catered luncheon at the First Presbyterian Church in Stuttgart at 11:30 a.m.